If you need research sources or assistance with specific, legitimate study projects, Ask María.
So - we are going to try something different. I have set up an email address at askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com to receive and reply to your questions. Periodically I will put up questions and answers here, making general information available as straight read only text without interactive access. MAYBE this will work; we will try it for a while. Please give me your feedback.
We have been doing it this way for a while now and it SEEMS to be acceptable but I wonder if
we are losing spontaneity. If you wish to respond or comment on any of the posts - or in general -
feel free to email your comments and I will post them in the appropriate space on the page. Please
be respectful - no porno, profanity or inappropriate remarks. Muchas gracias.
--- On Thu, 8/14/08, naomi sharp <naomi.sharp@bigpond.com> wrote:
Hi Maria
Your site is wonderful and so helpful.
We will be living in Oaxaca for 5 months and as I am learning Flamenco dance here I would like to continue learning and was wondering if you know anyone who teaches this in Oaxaca? I have looked on the internet but can’t find anything besides traditional Mexican dance and salsa.
Thank you
Best wishes
Naomi
Friday, August 15, 2008 12:37 PM
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Re: Flamenco dance classes
You do not say when you plan to be in Oaxaca. Presently, there are no flamenco classes offered but should there be sufficient demand that could change. You might check with the dance academies (under Academias de Baile and Escuelas de Enseñanza Artistica in the yellow pages) and the Centro Español de Oaxaca (515-3433) when you are here.
Maria
--- On Wed, 8/13/08, Alma Lizarraga <lilianaruelas@gmail.com> wrote:
Hola Maria,
Mi esposo y yo estamos pensando en visitar Oaxaca en unos dias. Viajaremos en carro del DF y queremos ir a las playas, pero tambien me gustaria visitar lugares donde pueda contactar artesanos Oaxaquenos, pues trabajo en una ONG que quiere empezar un projecto de promocion de artesanias mexicanas. Nos podrias recomendar lugares que podamos visitar y cual seria la ruta mas conveniente para manejar para alla?
Mil gracias!
Liliana
Friday, August 15, 2008 12:53 PM
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Re: Preguntas de Oaxaca
Primero, en cuanto a las artesanias, usted no menciona el tipo de artesanias que le interesa - hay cientos de miles de artesanos quienes trabajan en decenas de medios. Muchos de estos se encuentran alrededor de la capital del estado pero hay otros muchos en lugares distintos en todo el estado. Esta pagina
http://www.oaxaca-travel.com/guide/cultural.php?section=cultural&lang=es&getdoc=true&atractivo=10.01.01.01
puede ser util para orientarse y el mapa a http://oaxacalive.com/Itinerary.htm le dara informacion sobre rutas y distancias relativas.
Para informacion sobre rutas del DF y a las playas, puede ver Traza Tu Ruta en la pagina de la SCT - http://www.sct.gob.mx/
Maria
--- On Tue, 8/12/08, Montsserrat Hernandez <monsyhernandez@gmail.com> wrote:
Hola Maria,
espero y me puedas ayudar. Tengo planeado ir a Oaxaca para dia de muertos este año. Llegariamos el 31 de Octubre. Me interesa saber si hay alguna clase de competencia de ofrendas o algo por el estilo. Tienes alguna recomendacion de que artesanos visitar que trabajen con piesas de de dia de muertos? Te agradesco mucho de antemano cualquier ayuda que me puedas dar.
Saludos desde Chicago,
Monse
Friday, August 15, 2008 1:02 PM
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Suele haber una competencia patrocinada por el Municipio entre tiendas y negocios del Centro Historico por "el mejor altar", asi como otras particulares a veces en escuelas u otras organizaciones. - algunas bien publicitadas y otras no tanto. Tambien hay comparsas y otros tipos de eventos alusivos a los muertos.
En cuanto a los artesanos que se dedican a hacer piezas especiales para muertos, hay varios. Tal vez los mejor conocidos serian las familias de Doña Elpidia Chacon y de las hermanas Aguilar en Ocotlan pero hay muchos otros cuyos trabajos se encontraran en las tiendas y puestos de la ciudad.
Maria
On Thu, 8/7/08, "Eilon" <eilon@uol.com.br> wrote:
Dear Maria,
My name is Eilon and I?m a Brazilian looking a bus from Mexico City to Lazaro Cardenas City in Michoacan. My final destination is Nexpa River. I would appreciate very much if you can give me some information.
How about renting a car and drive to destination? Is it save? How about driving during the night?
Thank you in advance,
Eilon
From: maria diaz [mailto:askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com]
Sent: quinta-feira, 7 de agosto de 2008 14:51
Subject: Re: FW: bus info
Omnibus de Mexico http://www.odm.com.mx/ and Estrella de Oro http://www.autobus.com.mx/edo/ have service from Mexico City to Lazaro Cardenas. From there you will find local transport to Caleta de Campos and on to Rio Nexpa.
As for driving, it is about seven hours from Mexico City to Lazaro Cardenas via mostly toll roads. You can see maps at http://sct.gob.mx/ Go to Atlas Carretero (under conoce la infraestructura scrolling down the page) where you can click on maps of Guerrero and Michoacan. These are in restricted pdf format, so you can't print but you can copy to have on your computer. For driving distances, routes, toll costs, etc., select Traza tu ruta on the same sct page.
This should be a good safe route but remember that you are in mountains most of the way, so you should NEVER drive at night and you should always be alert for people and animals on the road, even on the limited access toll roads, as well as possible rock slides or small washouts during the rainy season.
The route from Lazaro Cardenas to Nexpa is not included but is on Federal Highway 200, about 70 km of mostly flat, straight good highway.
You can check the car rental web pages for their rates, vehicles available, etc.
Maria
On Thu, 8/7/08, "Eilon" <eilon@uol.com.br> wrote:
Dear Maria,
Thank you very much for your fast reply and kindness. I`m impressed with your local knowledge. Congratulations! If you need something from Brazil, please don`t exitate to let me know.
All the best,
Eilon (your Brazilian friend)
--- On Tue, 7/29/08, Alfredo Herrero <alhero@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
Subject: Artist Joaquin Chiñas
I'm looking for information on a Mexican Artist: Joaquin Chiñas. I have a large original drawing done in 1962. The piece is named Lucia. I searched the WEB but did not find much information on Mr Chiñas. I thing he was originally from Oaxaca.
Thanks in advance for your help
Alfredo
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2008 11:27 AM
Re: Artist Joaquin Chiñas
You are correct that the late Joaquin Chiñas was born in Tehuantepec, Oaxaca. I have not been able to find much information about him, either, but will do some checking with artistic and/or Istmeño sources when I have an opportunity.
Meanwhile, some of his work will be included in Entijuanarte in October 2008 (see http://www.entijuanarte.com/artistas.html) and you might also inquire with Aztlán: A Journal of Chicano Studies (http://aztlanjournal.metapress.com/) who have published some of his work.
Maria
--- On Tue, 7/29/08, Timothy Van Belle <timothy.vanbelle@telenet.be> wrote:
Subject: Dias de los muertos
Hello Maria,
we were looking for information about the 'Dias de los Muertos' in Oaxaca, Mexico and read your article on the internet. We would like to stay there from 28th. of october till 2nd of november 2008.
We were wondering if you know a nice & clean hostel in the neighbourhood of the most important cemetery 'Panteon General' (San Miguel)? Is the cemetery located in the city center?
Saludos,
Timothy y Barbara (Belgica)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 7:48 PM
Re: FW: Dias de los muertos
If you are looking specifically for hostels, check
http://www.hostels.com/en/findabed.php?ChosenCity=Oaxaca&ChosenCountry=Mexico
There are also some hotels of various categorie$ marked on the attached map and you can find more by searching for "hotels+oaxaca".
You will note that the Panteon General (San Miguel) is located just to the east of the Historic Center - on the far right of the map - in easy walking distance of many, many accommodations.
Maria
--- On Tue, 7/29/08, Annette Glanckopf <Annette_G@att.net> wrote:
Subject: Question about Oaxaca
Hello Maria
A group of us are considering coming to Oaxaca in early 2009 for a Rotary project and a few days recreation.
Our president seems to recall a great visit to a factory that made mescal...He said it was very authentic and the tour was very interesting. I can't seem to find anything like this in the guidebooks. Is there such a place in Oaxaca City?
Many thanks for any advice
Annette
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 5:39 PM
Re: Question about Oaxaca
There are a number of mezcal factories that offer tours - and tastes. Most are located outside the city along the highway to Mitla and Matatlan - some old established traditional attractions and other newer ones - all with someting of interest.
I have visited one fabrica several times - el Mitleño located at the entrance to Mitla. As well as the manufacturing and fermenting process and the tasting room, they also have a small restaurant offering traditional lunch menus.
Should your group hire a vehicle and driver by the hour or day, you would have the freedom to plan your itineraries with flexibility and spontaneity, including a stop at any of the factories that may catch your eye along the road. Alternatively, many of the set tours include a tour of a mezcal factory and your hotel can help you with all this planning.
Maria
--- On Tue, 7/29/08, Annette Glanckopf <Annette_G@att.net> wrote:
Subject: Re: Question about Oaxaca
Hello Maria
Thanks for the speedy feedback!! We probably won't have an official tour, but just hire a bus. We will be under the care of the local Rotarians.
In any case, our president remembers a wonderful experience touring a mezcal factory in the city of Oaxaca. He is so frustrated that he can't remember more. He described it as very authentic, a dusty facility, an older gentleman with a serape and mules grinding the cactus...something like this. I couldn't find anything like this ....So perhaps it has disappeared. Does this sound familiar?
We probably won't have time for 2 ruins and most likely will go to Monte Alban. Mitla sounds very interesting... but time is limited.
Thanks so much for your note
Annette
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 7:26 PM
Re: Question about Oaxaca
I can't think of anywhere inside the city such as you describe and don't know how long ago your president visited! Still, the cactus is still ground the same way in the authentic factories you would want to visit (there are now some modern high tech production ones, too, but not as picturesque - and personally I still prefer the taste of mezcal made the old traditional ways, of different varieties of agave and using local methods).
If at all possible, you should try to see some of the many things on the road to Mitla, even if you don't go to the archeological site there. On that "route" are el Tule tree, Teotitlan del Valle weavers, Tlacolula indigenous market on Sunday mornings, the mezcal factories, archeological sites at Yagul, Lambityeco, Dainzu, the Yaguar zoo, 16th century temple at Tlacochahuaya, etc., etc.
On the Monte Alban "route" are Arrazola, Atzompa, Cuilapam, Zaachila, while on the "Ocotlan route" are San Bartolo Coyotepec, Tilcajete, Jalaietza, San Antonino, Friday market in Ocotlan, etc., etc.
Plus many, many more "don't miss" destinations. See http://oaxacalive.com/oaxinfo.htm for more information and enjoy as much as you can, then come back for more another time!
Maria
--- On Tue, 7/29/08, marlene mcgrath <virgo8marlen@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
Subject: Hospedaje
Hola Maria!
Me podrias orientar que hospedajes se encuentran cerca del zocalo, seguros, limpios y con precio moderado, mi marido y yo lo necesitamos para tres noches. Tengo dificultades para subir escaleras, asi que lo que necesitamos es en la planta baja.
Te agradecere si me das ideas.
Fraternos saludos,
Marlen
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 5:26 PM
Re: Hospedaje
Hay muchos hoteles, de varias categorias, ubicados en el Centro Historico. Puede ver algunos listados a http://www.cronica.com.mx/zt/hoteles-oaxaca.php, http://www.hotelesdeoaxaca.com/oaxaca.html y muchos sitios mas, buscando hoteles+oaxaca+centro. Hay que recordar que muchos de los hoteles estan en estos listados porque pagaron por estar incluidos, no necesariamente por recomendacion imparcial. Igualmente, hay otros no incluidos que son muy buenos pero optaron por no pagar.
Sugiero que vea algunos de estos y si tenga preguntas especificas tal vez le podemos orientar mejor.
Otra sugerencia: por que no considerar nuestra NUEVA Casa de Maria Bed & Breakfast - a unos pasos del Andador Turistico en el Centro Historico, pequeña, exclusiva, muy acogedora y en una sola planta rodeada por jardines. Puede ver fotos y mas informacion a http://oaxacalive.com/maria.htm
Maria
--- On Tue, 7/29/08, marlene mcgrath <virgo8marlen@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
Gracias Maria por tu mensaje,
Me interesa la Nueva Casa de Maria, visite la direccion que me enviastes y no me da mayor informacion ni de habitaciones, mapa o precios. Si me puedes decir si para tres noches llegando el 31 de Agosto y saliendo el 3 de Septiembre, hay disponibilidad de habitacion para dos personas con bano privado en planta baja, se que llegamos en temporada baja. Tambien me gustaria saber a que distancia estamos del Zocalo caminando, o si hay que tomar buses.
Gracias Maria, enviame precios por favor.
Fraternalmente esta Nicaraguense llegando a Oaxaca,
Marlen
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 7:09 PM
Re: Hospedaje
Si va a http://oaxacalive.com/maria.htm, entonces hay que escoger Español o English para entrar a la informacion detallada. (O puede ir directamente a http://oaxacalive.com/mariaesp.htm o a http://oaxacalive.com/mariaing.htm)
Si, tenemos disponibilidad para las tres noches que menciona y le enviamos por separado la informacion especifica.
La NUEVA Casa de Maria esta a unos pasos del Andador Turistico con todas sus iglesias, tiendas, museos, galerias, etc. - una cuadra al norte de Santo Domingo y cuatro de alli al zocalo - todas cuadras cortas llenas de muchos atractivos. Puede ver nuestra ubicacion en las coordenadas C-4 del mapa de gran escala a http://oaxacalive.com/citymap.htm El zocalo se encuentra en las C-5. (No hay buses en el corazon del Centro Historico - todos pasan a unas 2 - 3 cuadras en el perimetro. Es una bella ciudad para caminar.)
Esperamos el placer de recibir aqui una vecina nicaraguense.
Maria
--- On Tue, 7/22/08, whalehouse@gmail.com <whalehouse@gmail.com> wrote:
Subject: Inquiry, re: language schools in Oaxaca
Hola, Maria,
I have been to Oaxaca twice before, and am looking for a language school, to improve my intermediate Spanish, that I use daily in my work in NYC as a therapist with children and families from Mexico. I want private lessons in the morning, about three hours daily. I am considering Vinigulaza because it's website appealed to me, as did it' s flexibility. Becari and also Amigos del Sol are other options, both sound good also.
Do you have any advice on schools?
Thanks so much.
Annabelle
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2008 9:40 AM
Re: Inquiry, re: language schools in Oaxaca
All the schools you mention, as well as the others listed on Ask Maria, are good schools and should be able to offer a program for your needs. However, you should study each carefully to ensure that it is the best for you personally. What may be wonderful for one person is not necessarily so for another.
Maria
--- On Mon, 7/21/08, emckaysf <emckaysf@comcast.net> wrote:
Subject: Cat Travel to Oaxaca
I cannot find an airline which services Oaxaca that will accept my cat--after Houston (Continental) or Mexico City (other American airlines) it seems the planes are too small and cannot safely accommodate a cat in cargo or even elsewhere. I will begin my journey in Albuquerque, NM. Any suggestions?
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Thursday, July 24, 2008 9:53 AM
Re: Cat Travel to Oaxaca
Mexicana will accept cats on board, in the cabin but NOT in the cargo hold, when they comply with all the requirements and subject to decision of the captain based on the plane's load, passengers.
Aeromexico and Aviacsa will accept cats as baggage only, in the cargo hold and if together with your luggage they exceed weight limit, they will be charged as excess baggage.
Maria
--- On Mon, 7/21/08, David Chavez <dchavez.email@gmail.com> wrote:
Subject: Oaxacan Artisans
Hello Maria,
I've found you online by coincidence, seems like you know quite a bit about your state. I was wondering if you could point me to where I could get in contact with some artisans who would like to export some of their crafts to the United States. Me and my wife started importing artesanias de Guatemala and we thought of doing the same with Oaxaca, any info would be much appreciated.
Peace
David Chavez
Multi Cultural Music Programming
dchavez.email@gmail.com
Office: 773.661.4103
skype: d.chavez1
Chicago IL
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2008 10:06 AM
Re: FW: Oaxacan Artisans
Many of our gifted artisans would like to export their products. As there are literally hundreds of thousands artists working in dozens of different media, I suggest you plan a visit to the area to determine what products are of interest for you, meet and arrange directly with the artisans what items you wish to purchase, whether on a one-time or a continuing basis, production rates, prices, payment, shipment and all other details.
In that way both parties will have a clear idea of what to expect and can establish a successful working relation.
Maria
--- On Mon, 7/7/08, Bobbie Juhler <rbjuhler@att.net> wrote:
Subject: Train / Bus transportation
Hi Maria,
Is the Oaxaqueno Train services still available and do you know the schedule and/or phone number. A friend of mine is traveling by bus and/or train if available from Sacramento, California.
How safe is it for a white male to travel alone to Oaxaca?
What buses do you recommend and and time of year. I have heard Nov/Dec/Jan/Feb are nice months to travel there?
Mrs. Juhler
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2008 5:36 PM
Subject: Re: Train / Bus transportation
There is presently NO train service to Oaxaca nor to most of the country.
Bus service is safe, comfortable and reasonable. You can find schedules, fares and other information for service in the south and southeast at http://www.ticketbus.com.mx You can check Greyhound.com for bus information from Sacramento to Mexico City (about two to two and one half days travel time + six hours to Oaxaca).
Any time is good to travel to Oaxaca. If weather is a consideration, see Oaxaca's Wonderful Weather at http://oaxacalive.com/weather.htm For regularly scheduled fiestas, etc., see http://oaxacalive.com/calendar.htm
Maria
--- On Sat, 7/5/08, Pat Parsons <PCParsons@comcast.net> wrote:
Dear Maria, We would like to take the bus from Mexico City to Oaxaca. We will fly into the city. Will we find the bus at the airport? I have tried to get information online but never seem to connect. Thank you. Pat
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2008 1:43 PM
Subject: Re: bus information
There is not presently a bus for Oaxaca leaving from the Mexico City airport. You should take the "official" zonal fare taxi http://www.aicm.com.mx/servicioausuarios/transportacion.php?Grupo=4&Publicacion=161
from the airport to the TAPO terminal where there are departures for Oaxaca about 30 times per day. You can find schedules, fares, etc. at http://ticketbus.com.mx
As I have mentioned here before, you MUST make sure the date is correct. When I choose July 12 from the calendar, for instance, the date comes up 12/Jul/200- You MUST correct this to 12/Jul/2008 or the system will not work. Same for any other date - choose the date from the calendar then correct it manually if necessary.
Once you choose origin, destination and date, the information should come up in the middle of the page. Travel time is aprox. six hours.
There is an alternative which will let you take the Estrella Roja Expreso Aeropuerto from the airport terminal to the CAPU terminal in Puebla where you can then take a bus to Oaxaca. You can see the schedule of departures at http://www.estrellaroja.com.mx/servicio.asp?id=5 where you will note that the 09:00, 13:00, 17:00 and 22:00 are coordinated to connect with ADO from Puebla to Oaxaca.
Maria
--- On Wed, 6/18/08, Art Cassanos <artrierites@comcast.net> wrote:
Dear Maria;
I have been trying o find a train schedule for passenger service from Mexico City to Oaxaca. We were going to come in October, but I have been unable to find on the internet what if any train service there is. Is the bus preferred?
Art Cassanos
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 12:44 PM
Subject: Re: train service
There is no longer train service to Oaxaca or in most of the country. Progress!?!
Bus service is efficient, reasonable and very comfortable. You will find schedules, prices and other information at
http://www.ticketbus.com.mx
"Mexico TAPO" is the terminal with the most frequent service to and from "Oaxaca" terminal.
Maria
--- On Mon, 6/16/08, Ken Lertzman <lertzman@sfu.ca> wrote:
Dear Maria -
Please pardon my writing in English, my Spanish is not good enough to make my questions clear (though it will hopefully be getting better soon).
My family (my wife and I and two children, 15 and 11 years old) will be spending the fall driving through Mexico. We have friends and family in various places and we hope to spend November based in Oaxaca. We would like to rent an apartment or house in Oaxaca for the month of November. We can find many interesting and beautiful looking places on the internet that may be appropriate. The problem is that we don't know the city well enough to judge the neighborhoods. We'll have our car with us, but we would like to be able to walk from where we are staying to food shopping, restaurants, and other areas of interest such as markets or the Zocalo. Do you have advice about what neighborhoods or parts of town would be the best to consider? If you have suggestions for places to contact, that would be great, but just suggestions for neighborhoods would be very helpful.
For instance, one very nice place is in Colonia La Cascada, which they say is a 20 minute walk to the Zocalo. A couple of others are described as being in the Centro Historico. Yet others look like they are on hilltops more outside of town - with beautiful views, but probably not within walking distance of town.
Muchimas gracias por todo,
Ken
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2008, 10:39 AM
Subject: Re: our stay in Oaxaca
This is not easy to answer, as many areas are very good neighborhoods but do not necessarily have all the other conveniences you mention. The Historic Center, of course, does but you may not find parking and vehicle access as in other areas. From whatever other area, you may prefer to walk or take the bus to the center because of this.
Basically, the largest shopping centers are to be found in Colonia Reforma around map coordinates E-1 on the large scale city map at http://oaxacalive.com/citymap.htm and the huge gringo-style Plaza del Valle coordinates F-7 (basically under the legend).
Perhaps you should rethink all the things you want to do and base decisions on that. For example, in San Felipe del Agua you will have lovely homes, parking, the Benito Juarez National Park and village life with regular bus service to city center BUT no supermarkets only small convenience stores, thrice weekly tianguis (street market) limited restaurants, etc. In Colonia Reforma you have nice homes, parking, all the services, many restaurants, with some parts easily walkable to zocalo while others you may be able to take a bus (it is a very large colonia). All neighborhoods have some small miscelaneas (convenience stores) but may not have the other features you are looking for.
Maria
--- On Sat, 6/14/08, Paula McDermott <mcscog@swbell.net> wrote:
Do you know the most cost effective and efficient way to get from Monterrey to Oaxaca. We can get a flight out with viva aerobus but not in (at the end of the month)?
Also, do you know if there are any ngos that run montessori-based schools in the region?
gracias,
paula.
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2008, 3:19 PM
Subject: Re: monterrey to oaxaca
Vivaerobus will begin twice weekly flights on July 17 (Tuesdays and Thursdays). Otherwise, there is no direct flight, all connect through Mexico City.
Other options are:
bus to Terminal Norte in Mexico City (about 10-11 hours) and connect to bus to Oaxaca (6 hours). See http://www.ticketbus.com.mx for DF-OAX schedules, fares, etc.
Drive - aprox. 13 hours driving time and $728 in tolls each way.
There are a very few private schools that use Montessori system but none that are in the official Montessori directory and none that I am aware of run by ngo's.
Maria
--- On Sat, 6/14/08, candy juarez <lil_moma_5248@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hello my name is Candy Juarez and my husband and I have an old knife and it has some writing on it that says on one side Con Los Filos de mi Acero se Rompe el mas duro Cuero, it has a picture of a man and a dog and on the other side it says Recuerdo de Oaxaca.
We have translated it but don't know what period it is from. It doesn't say why to remember Oaxaca. If there is any way possible you could find out where it is from please let me know. This knife was a blessing to my husband because it is a part of his heritage . He is a descendant of Benito Juarez and would like to know if it has any significance to him. Thank you for your time .
Candy
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2008, 3:21 PM
Subject: Re: can you help
What you have is a traditional knife made in Oaxaca for hundreds of years, with a saying or refran engraved on the blade. Yours is probably quite modern, as it says that it is a souvenir (recuerdo) of Oaxaca. The Oaxacan knives are famous, as much for the sayings as for the fine metal workmanship. The Aragon family is the most famous of the knife makers but they are made by others as well. I attach some photos for your information.
It may be possible to find more history on your knife by showing it to the makers. The man and dog carving could mean it was made for a specific client but it is very likely that it is one of many ordinary pieces.
Maria
--- On Wed, 6/11/08, Cox, Jeff <Jeff.Cox@ipscorp.com> wrote:
Maria,
My wife and I stopped in Huatulco last year on a cruise. We stopped in a jewelry store near the waterfront and saw some of the most beautiful ceramics we have ever seen. One artist we particularly liked made ceramic bowls in cobalt blue that had silver accents of the moon and stars. There were other ceramic items that also had the silver inlay of different scenes. The silver inlays were small (about 3-5 mm) and all around the inside of the bowl.
Have you seen any of this ceramic, and if so, do you have a contact for the artist or the gallery in Huatulco.
Thank you,
Jeff Cox
From: maria diaz [mailto:askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 7:30 PM
Subject: Re: Art Question
This is not a "standard" traditional type of ceramic. Do you have any idea of the name of the artist or the store so that I can check further? Silver work sounds like it may have some connection with Taxco?
Maria
--- On Thu, 6/12/08, Cox, Jeff <Jeff.Cox@ipscorp.com> wrote:
Maria,
I don't remember the artist or the gallery name. We docked in Huatulco and saw the ceramic at a gallery near the small boat harbor. I attached a image I got off of Google Maps and indicated the location of the gallery, that I am hopeful you will know from the image. If you can help with the gallery name and contact information, I can ask them if they still have the artist's works.
Thanks for your help,
Jeff
From: maria diaz [mailto:askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2008 3:24 PM
Subject: RE: Art Question
You said it was a jewelry store and on the map you show it
as right next to the darsena, so - could this be the store?
BONITA FUTUDIANDO
CLL DARCENA S/N Col.SANTA CRUZ HUATULCO
C.P.70989 , BAHIAS DE HUATULCO , OAX
Tel. 958 5871119,
Maria
--- On Tue, 6/17/08, Cox, Jeff <Jeff.Cox@ipscorp.com> wrote:
Maria,
Thank you very much for your help. I contacted Bonita Futudiando, and they are the gallery we stopped at last year. They still represent the artist who made the ceramic pieces, and are going to send me pictures of available works. You have been a great resource.
Thanks,
Jeff
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2008 3:49 PM
Subject: RE: Art Question
I am happy we could help.
Maria
--- On Sat, 6/7/08, Murray Kimber <mkimber@shaw.ca> wrote:
Hi Maria,
First off, I´ll echo the comments that many others have made about how helpful your forum is and how much I appreciate you sharing all of your knowledge about Oaxaca.
My wife, seven year old daughter and I are moving to Oaxaca in August and I have been in Oaxaca the past week looking at schools and finding a house to rent. By the way, we chose Instituto Federico Froebel after looking at others.
One question I have is the kind of visas we should have during our one year stay in Oaxaca. Our daughter was born in Puebla, but is a Candian citizen as are my wife and I. When we arrive in Oaxaca as a family we will have tourist visas that may be up to 180 days, but then I dont really want to have to leave the country´in order to get a new tourist visa. Also we may not receive 180 days.
Since our daughter has a Mexican birth certificate and will be enrolled in school would she qualify for a student visa, and then would we be able to get FM3 visas or something similar? When we lived in Mexico in the past my wife and I got FM3 visas becasue she was working at an American school. And we got those from within Mexico with the help of her employer.
What do you think would work best in our case now?
Many thanks
Murray Kimber
From: maria diaz <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Visas for a year in Oaxaca
Date: Saturday, June 7, 2008, 11:59 AM
This is one of those cases where I believe you should go direct to the authority, not rely on others' interpretations of the rules. If you are still in Oaxaca, you can try to set things up in advance of your arrival by going to the office of Instituto Nacional de Migracion:
LIC. MARÍA DE LAS MERCEDES GÓMEZ MONT URUETA
Delegado Regional de Oaxaca
Av. Independencia 709 Palacio Federal Col. Centro, C.P. 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax.
01(951) 502 00 04 ext. 203 y 213
01(951) 502 00 04 ext. 214 y 215
mgmont@inami.gob.mx
If you are in Mexico City you can try to talk with the Commissioner:
Cecilia Romero Castillo
Comisionada
Homero 1832; Col. Los Morales Polanco; Delegación Miguel Hidalgo; C.P. 11510, México, D.F.;
Tel. 53 87 24 98
53 87 24 00, Ext. 18022, 18023 y 18024
cromero@inami.gob.mx
or at least her office for a referral to the person who can help you (possibly the Coordinador de Regulacion Migratoria but that is only a guess).
If you are not in the country, your best option is to visit the Mexican Consul in your area and try to establish communication through them with INAMI (The consular office can not resolve the problem themselves).
If none of this advance works or is not feasible for whatever reason, then you will need to do it at the delegation office here when you arrive. You will need to go to that office anyway if you are not given 180 days on your tourist permit, to extend it.
In the worst case, if you end up only with a 180 day tourist permit, you can leave the country at the Guatemalan border and come back in on a new tourist permit. It is only an eight hour drive to Tapachula or 11-12 hours by bus and very interesting countryside through the Isthmus and part of Chiapas.
As an alternative, you could combine necessity with a visit to San Cristobal de las Casas and las Lagunas de Montebello (either going or coming back - 8 hours by car, 11-12 by bus to SC) and from there to the border at Ciudad Cuauhtemoc, about 2-1/2 hours driving, 3 by bus from San Cristobal.
Maria
--- On Sat, 6/7/08, Murray Kimber <mkimber@shaw.ca> wrote:
Many thanks, Maria. I will follow these leads up.
Murray
--- On Thu, 6/5/08, Lily Faust <plumrainbow@yahoo.com> wrote:
i will be in oaxaca in the next couple weeks but i have to get from there to belize. i prefer to take a bus or colectivo if there is one. i think that most likely it will be more than one bus. i know there are buses from cancun and chetumal and other places in guatemala, but what is the best way to get to belize from oaxaca?
muchas gracias
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Thursday, June 5, 2008 2:40 PM
Re: oaxaca to belize
The best route is probably from Oaxaca to Villahermosa (11-12 hours) and from there to Chetumal (about 8 hours) where you can cross the border into Belice.
See http://www.ticketbus.com.mx for schedules, fares and more information.
Maria
--- On Thu, 6/5/08, Maksym Kidruk <kidruk@kth.se> wrote:
Hello!
I'm going to travel trough Mexico this summer and I'd like to know how could I book an Aerovega plane to Huatulco or Puerto
Escondido from Oaxaca. I wrote to aerovega@prodigy.net.mx but still haven't got any response.
I already contacted AeroTucan company but they have problems with payment receiving. I'm looking forward to your answer.
Regards,
Maksym
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Thursday, June 5, 2008 5:10 PM
Re: Aerovega flight
Aerovega is not always very good about replying to email and neither of the two lines is set up for international financial transactions. It is always easier to call them (Aerovega - 951-516-4982, Aerotucan - 951-501-0530, 501-1161, 501-1159).
If you plan to be in Oaxaca for a few days before leaving for Huatulco or PE, I suggest you make the flight arrangements once you are here. They fly daily - maybe more than once a day if you are here during a busy season - so you should have no problem getting space on or near your first preferred date and then you can make payment, pick up tickets, etc. all at one time.
Remember, they are air taxi services, not big international airlines but they work very well.
Maria
--- On Sun, 6/1/08, Michael Skoler<michaelskoler@comcast.net> wrote:
Maria,
Your site is astounding and we appreciate it very much. We are a family of four, kids aged 9 and 11, and want to rent a home in Oaxaca in a neighborhood with many local children. We have heard of two rental homes in Jalatlaco. Do you know of any English-speaking resident of Oaxaca who might be willing to look at the houses for us and advise us?
I know this is an unusual request. We hesitate to rent a house without seeing it and there are few photos on the Web.
Thank you,
Michael Skoler
From: maria diaz [mailto:askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 9:46 PM
Subject: Re: Moving to Oaxaca for a family year off
Most real estate agents have someone who speaks English and most owners seeking to rent to foreigners have enough English for the purpose.
Maria
--- On Wed, 6/4/08, Michael Skoler <michaelskoler@comcast.net> wrote:
Thank you, Maria. We're actually trying to find someone who lives in Oaxaca who might be willing to look at the Jalatlaco rental home of a local family and tell us if it is fully-furnished and has enough water.
We understand that fully-furnished may not mean the same in Mexico as it does in the U.S. We have many family members and friends who may visit us throughout our stay and we'd like the home to be comfortable for them as well. Would you know of anyone (an English speaker) who might be willing to take a quick look at the house, on our behalf? Or a website I could go to to contact a Oaxacan resident for our request?
Thanks so much,
Michael Skoler
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Thursday, June 5, 2008 5:26 PM
RE: Moving to Oaxaca for a family year off
If I understand you, you want someone completely unknown to you whose only requisite is that he/she live in Oaxaca and be English speaking, to inspect third party rental properties on your behalf and make a decision as to whether it is rent-worthy in your opinion? I think that, no matter how much you would plan to pay such a person, it would be unfair for everyone concerned - the property owner, the prospective tenant and the English speaking person in the middle.
First of all, there is no way of knowing if your criteria and that of the intermediary would coincide. If it should not, then neither you nor the intermediary would be happy.
Secondly, it indicates a very insulting attitude toward the property owner, to think that you can not communicate honestly and openly, directly from one person to the other but that you trust the word of a complete unknown just because he/she speaks English.
At least a professional real estate agent has a vested interest in achieving optimum communication between the parties, no matter the language they speak.
I strongly suggest that, if you are considering renting directly from the owner that you communicate with that person with your list of very specific points that you wish to clarify and that you request photos of the property that satisfy your doubts. If the parties can not arrive at a satisfactory understanding in this way, with good will on both sides, then it is more than likely that any arrangements would be flawed from the beginning. Hablando se entiende.
Maria
Hi Maria,
I was wondering if you know how far santiago juxtlahuaca is from huatulco and if there is a good route?
Thank you
melissa
mlramos1206@yahoo.com
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Tuesday, June 3, 2008 9:43 PM
Re: huatulco
From Santiago, Juxtlahuaca it is 30 km of paved road to intersect with federal highway 125. From that point it is 123 km to intersect with the federal coast highway 200 and from there 253 km to Huatulco. Conservative driving time should be about 6-1/2 to 7 hours.
Maria
--- Elba Hernandez <elba.e@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
Hi Maria:
Just found your amazing website. I was wondering if you could help me.
My husband, my son and myself will be visiting oaxaca in august. we already have reservations in Huatulco for 5 nights.
My question is if it safe and how long that is take to drive from oaxaca to Huatulco. We will be renting a car in Oaxaca. please help. I am very anxious about the drive. My husband is from oaxaca, but hasn't drive to Huatulco in over 16 year. Any help will be greatly appreciated....Elba
Date: Thu, 29 May 2008 14:16:49 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: trip to huatulco from oaxaca
There are several routes you can take from Oaxaca to Huatulco. All of them are through the mountains and should be taken in daylight with care for conditions - lots of curves, possibilities of washouts, fallen rocks, people/animals on the road - but are good paved roads.
The most direct is via Highway 175 over the mountains and through Pochutla - about 287 km and about six to 6-1/2 hours driving time. This is a lovely route but very curvy and not appreciated by everyone.
You can also go via 190 to Tehuantepec and back up highway 200 to Huatulco - 412 km and six hours easier driving time - some curves but much more gradual descent.
You can see a good map at http://www.sct.gob.mx/ Scroll down under Infraestructura and click on Atlas Carretero. There scroll down to click on Oaxaca to see the map. It is in restricted pdf format, so you will not be able to print or copy it but you can see it on screen.
You can also check mileage and routes at http://www.sct.gob.mx/ by clicking on Traza Tu Ruta. The preferred SCT route is via the Istmo, so if you want to see details via 175, you can check from Oaxaca to Pochutla and then from Pochutla to Huatulco, and so on with any other route, e.g., 131 via Puerto Escondido.
Maria
- damian maldonado <dmnmaldonado@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi! Maria, How are you? My name is Damian Maldonado and I'm from Oaxaca the most beautiful state from Mexican Republic and I saw your web site is the only way that I have to remind my town, I am living in the north of California USA (Modesto), well, let me tell you some thing about me.
I'm graduated as Dr. Veterinarian from UABJO.
I'm 27 years old and I am married too. I have two childrens, one baby girl and one boy, but they live in Santo Domingo Tomaltepec,Tule Oaxaca. Well, I came to this country 3 years ago as the most of the countrymen do it. emigrate! to get a better life for us families furthermore because I would lik to improve myself day after day.
I am studying English in Modesto Junior College, study English is one of my dreams I ever had because in Mexico is too expensive at least for me it is, and here is cost free! Well lot of words, the regarding is: I saw your web site and I see many peoples send to you E Mails asking about accomodation, "cottage" to stay for a few days for cheap and see that you provide them information from aparments, houses or any other hotel, an thats good for you, that talks right of you, thats why I dare to ask you help about it. My family could providesome of those services for cheap as they want, You know qhat I mean? - for example Maria and her husband case, their just ar looking for something cool! not very nice and I know your place is very, very nice thats why is little bit more expensive! for them. Ok just had this idea because I see many peoples looking for something confortable and and they go with you because you alredy have prestige and thats very important for the customers be certain. Ok I did qhat my mind tell me. I appreciate you attention Thanks! Maria
May be! I'll be back ending this year
Espero no haberle molestado por el atrevimiento con mis palabras y que me haya entendido, solamente estoy buscando una alternativa de vida para mi y mi familia ya que me gustaria regresar a vivir a Oaxaca con mi familia y servir a los que ahorita me estan sirviendo a mi y de alguna manera regresar un poco de lo mucho que me ha dado este pais aunque la entrada se dificil para muchos de nosotros, todo se puede en esta vida mientras lo busquemos, espero algun comentario de parte suya ya sea para bien o para mal es bienvenido muchas, muchas gracias ya que si uno no tiene suenos e ilusiones estamos muertos en vida felicidades por su Negocio
Atte. MVZ. Damian Maldonado Victorio
Modesto California USA
Date: Thu, 29 May 2008 14:36:03 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Geeting countrywomen from Modesto California
Hola, Damian!
Muchas gracias por escribirnos y mucha suerte con tus estudios y tu vida alli en el norte.
I am posting your email complete here and hope that if anyone is interested in perhaps visiting or staying with your family they will get in touch with you direct. Santo Domingo Tomaltepec is a very lovely small village of maybe 2500 inhabitants just about 20 km or less from downtown Oaxaca - just past the famous Tule tree.
Ojala puedas regresar pronto con la familia. Muchos saludos de tu paisana y amiga
Maria
- damian maldonado <dmnmaldonado@yahoo.com> wrote:
Thanks a lot-Maria!Friday, May 30, 2008 2:23 AM
Hi! Maria One more time thanks for your answer end words. Thats good!
Low Cost!
If some body wants to visit oaxaca for a few dayas at any season, I might help yuo to get acomodattion or rather a cottage in Santo Domingo Tomaltepec, el Tule Oaxaca. Preferably marriage or women _serious deal!
My name is Damian Maldonado Victorio and I live in Modesto California. If you have any question you can contact me through my Email dmnmaldonado@yahoo.com
Santo Domingo Tomaltepec is a an small town located among downtown oaxaca, el Tule tree, Mitla Ruins and Tlacolula to name a few . Those are places more visited around Oaxaca.
ATTENTION! We are talking of an alternative to peoples who want's something cheap $
ADVANTAGES!!!!!!!!
100% safe place
You might have Direct contact with craftsman of de zone
To Know how they make de famous Halloween Bred (pan de Muertos), the best around Oaxaca. Walk Trip around Santo domingo Town y el Tule Tree by yourself .
If you prefer chaperone to make your first trip you can get it.
All this and More!
We can pick up you at the airport if you want!
The best: we don't make any deal until you be there (Talking about Money)
Gracias Maria por este espacio! Pense que no lograria su respuesta pero ya veo que si. Esto lo hago porque me gustaria relacionarme con personas del extrangero ya que su unico objetivo es disfrutar de sus vacaciones conocionedo la cultura y tradiciones de un pueblo como lo es Oaxaca de Juarez. Saludos Cuidece Mucho
Que dios la Bendiga aun mas en su Negocio. Bye!
---patricia Munoz <patyartu@hotmail.com> wrote:
Hola Maria!
Estoy buscando un abogado en Huatulco que me pueda ayudar con el problema de una casa que estoy comprando. He tratado de buscar en la web pero no he tenido exito, mi papa se encuentra alla en Huatulco y me dice que solo vio uno en las paginas amarillas. Tu conoces alguno que pueda ayudarnos con un problema de Real State?
Muchas Gracias
Patricia
Date: Tue, 27 May 2008 09:57:23 -0700
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Hola Maria!
Normalmente un notario publico es el experto indicado en cuestiones de bienes raices pero solo hay uno o dos en Huatulco. Asi que si tenga problemas tal vez deban consultar un notario de buena reputacion fuera del area - en la ciudad de Oaxaca, por ejemplo, donde hay muchos de donde escoger y sin nexos locales. Tambien hay unos cuantos abogados en la ciudad que podrian ayudarlos.
Maria
--- patricia Munoz <patyartu@hotmail.com> wrote:
Muchas gracias Maria!
Me preguntaba si sabras el telefono, pagina web, o correo electronico de alguno de esos abogados en Oaxaca?
No se como localizarlos desde aqui. Las paginas amarillas no me llevan a ningun lado.
Muchas gracias
Date: Thu, 29 May 2008 14:45:25 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: RE: Hola Maria!
En la http://seccionamarilla.com.mx/ bajo notarios y bajo abogados aparecen las direcciones y telefonos y, en algunos casos, la direccion electronica y la pagina web. Tambien se indican sus especialidades.
Hay que buscar "notarios" y "abogados" en el estado de Oaxaca y despues filtrar los resultados para solo la ciudad de Oaxaca y Oaxaca de Juarez.
Maria
--- Candi Hill <candihill@hawaii.rr.com> wrote:
Aloha Maria,
We are 4 girls. My mother, 79 years young, me 61, my daughter 42 and my granddaughter 2 1/2. We are going to Huatulco on a cruise ship. We will be in Huatulco on October 31st, Halloween day. What would you suggest we do in our short stay 9 AM to 4 PM?
Thank you. Much Aloha, (we live in Hawaii)
Candi V Hill
Date: Tue, 20 May 2008 15:01:08 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Huatulco
As you will be arriving on a cruise, you may not want to take the boat trip around the bays but it is a very nice way to spend a few hours. You can also spend time in Santa Cruz, la Crucecita, Tangolunda, etc. or perhaps take one of the short tours to nearby points. Check these pages for possibilities and you can also search for "huatulco" and find a lot of general information.
http://www.tomzap.com/huatulco.html
http://www.ilovehuatulco.com/
Maria
--- Claire Scott <bblessings@hotmail.com> wrote:
Hi Maria,
I wish to add my name to the list of grateful readers who so appreciate all your wonderful info. It's like having a good friend right in the area!
My husband and I are considering coming to visit Oaxaca City for the first time. Ideally, we would be there for six weeks from early January/09 to mid-February. We are looking for accomodation for that period of time ~ cottage, apartment, casita, etc. (We are not early risers so B&B likely not an option.) Our preference is something basic with 2 beds and kitchenette. We love to walk, explore, enjoy coffee in the zocalo, meet local people, visit handicraft villages, study Spanish, eat Mexican food ~ and enjoy your legendary sunshine in the middle of our Canadian winter! Is it possible to find a little place for $250 USD/week?
We're flying from western Canada. Best to fly into Mexico City or Guadalajara then take bus to Oaxaca City?
Thanks for all you do!
Claire
Date: Tue, 20 May 2008 14:52:47 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: 6 weeks in Oaxaca
It is good that you are beginning to look now for January, as it is a busy time and if you wait too long you may not find what you are looking for.
You should find a number of possibilities in your price range. I suggest you check the classifieds at
http://oaxacatimes.com,
http://www.go-oaxaca.com/classifieds.html,
http://www.paginasprodigy.com.mx/VBKANDT/
Also, there is now a lot of information available on the internet; just search for "apartment rent oaxaca", "rental property oaxaca" and similar search topics.
Definitely do NOT fly to Guadalajara - it is more than 15 hours by bus, not counting connection time in Mexico City. Fly to Mexico City and from there go to the TAPO bus terminal where there is a departure every hour or so for Oaxaca. It is a six hour trip and
buses are very comfortable. You can see schedules, fares, etc. at http://www.ticketbus.com.mx NOTE: make sure the travel date you choose is correct and complete. Very often when one clicks on the calendar and chooses a date it comes up distorted - e.g., 20/May/200- Manually change it to read correctly 20/May/2008 or the system will not work.
It is also possible to take an all-night flight from Vancouver to Houston to connect with Continental direct to Oaxaca but, as Continental does not fly here every day (currently MWF) you will have to coordinate your dates very carefully.
Maria
--- holaoaxaca@peoplepc.com wrote:
Hi Maria,
Could you tell me approximately how much it costs to fly from Oaxaca to Puerto and where I can purchase tickets? I took a collectivo van there and it took about 8 hours. Is that faster than a regular bus? I have long legs and the van was very tight. Any information you can provide would be most appreciated!
Gracias,
Warren
Date: Mon, 19 May 2008 09:49:25 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
There are two air services to Puerto Escondido - Aerovega (516-4982, aerovega@prodigy.net.m) and Aerotucan (http://www.aerotucan.com.mx) - flights and costs as follows:
Aerovega: lv OAX 7:00 (flight aprox 30 min) $1000 OW $2000 RT
Aerotucan: lv OAX 9:00 (flight aprox 30 min) $1208.40 OW $2394.78 RT
I am surprised at the time you say the van took, as normal travel time via that method is about 6 1/2 to 7 hours. The buses that leave from the second class bus station take 7 hours to Puerto Escondido, while first class Cristobal Colon takes 9 1/2 to 11 hours, as it
goes all the way around the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and then up the coast.
Maria
--- Katrina Lappin <katrinarh@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Maria,
Thank you for your forum, it has been very helpful.
I am leaving tomorrow(!) for Oaxaca where I will be traveling with my father. We will be in the city of Oaxaca for 10 days and then will spend 4 days on the coast. During my time in Oaxaca city, I will be taking classes at ICO.
I am interested in experiencing a temazcal and wondered if there are many in the city? I have only found the one at Casa de las Bugambillas (are you familiar with this one?) and Camino Real (which looks a little fancy) in my internet research.
Thank you!
Katrina
Date: Mon, 19 May 2008 10:10:13 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Temazcal
There are a number of other places in Oaxaca that offer temazcal, among them the Casa Oaxaca Hotel and Hacienda Los Laureles, as well as that advertised by the Carrizosa family (www.go-oaxaca.com/services/temazcal.html) and Gloria Verastegui (www.hakubai.com/temazcal/)
Or you might prefer to go just a few kilometers outside the city to Huayapam (http://hotelhuayapamoax.com.mx/temazcal.htm) or even to Teotitlan del Valle (http://www.casasagrada.com/more_info/healing.shtml)
There is also Temazcalli in Puerto Escondido http://www.temazcalli.com/welcome.htm, as well as others in the Sierra Norte and around the area.
Maria
To our many friends around the world:
It is time to announce that an exciting new stage is beginning in the life of María and family. We have decided to turn the family home over to our youngest son and his family now and move into our own little Garden of Eden for this new adventure. The Bed & Breakfast known as la Casa de María will operate through July 31, 2008 but La NUEVA Casa de María is now open for those who would like to stay with us during a visit to our beautiful Oaxaca.
La NUEVA Casa de María - located just forty meters from the Tourist Walk one block from Santo Domingo - is smaller, very exclusive, all on one floor and surrounded by gardens, including an enormous macuili tree blazing against the sky. We will offer only three rooms/suites but with many luxurious features. Check our new page http://oaxacalive.com/maria.htm for photos and all details and come visit us very soon.
María
P.S. Don't forget to Ask María - we are still here to answer your questions when possible.
TO those who have questions about the Mexico City airport, you should find this site very helpful:
http://www.aicm.com.mx/home.php
Maria
--- Kimberly Simpson <kimberlys@frontier.net> wrote:
Maria, How can I purchase online Oaxacan Dresses and tops? Thanks,
Kimberly
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 15:23:24 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Oaxacan Dresses
I do not know of anyone locally who sells on line but can possibly put you in touch with makers of the items, if you tell me what kind of "Oaxacan dress" you are looking for.
Maria
--- "Lara, Joyce" <Joyce.Lara@garmin.com> wrote:
Maria,
We are going to be in Oaxaca July 25th through August 9th. We want to go to Puerto Angel July 30th through August 2nd. Can you recommend transportation from the Aeroport for a group of 5?
Also we were told we could find a "Collectivo" that would take us from Oaxaca to Puerto Angel, do you know who to contact?
Thanks,
Joyce K Lara
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 15:21:29 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
From the airport into the city proper, take the Transporte Terrestre, purchasing tickets at the window in the arrivals area. The fare is zonal, currently $35 pesos for zone 1 (roughly, from airport to northern edge of Historic Center) and $70 for zone 2 north from there. For a group of five, you should request a "viaje especial", $148 and $280 respectively.
Usually the term colectivo refers to more local transport but I presume you refer to what is often called transporte en suburban, as they use that type of vehicle. I am not sure that a service from Oaxaca goes all the way to Puerto Angel but several go to Pochutla, just 13 km away and there is plenty of local transport there,including colectivos that just go back and forth between Pochutla and PA on a regular schedule.
Transporte en Suburban: these two have frequent departures daily.
Atlantida
La Noria 101
514-7077
Eclipse 70-Armenta+Lopez 504
sin teléfono - Pochutla diario
Maria
--- Louise <lamind@verizon.net> wrote:
Hi Maria;
You have a wonderful site. What an informative and wonderful service you provide. I am an older student who has the chance to visit Oaxaca. I have been looking for information on the History and Culture of the original Mexicans with pottery and how its has evolved preserving the identity of the indigenous people, the process, design, and the finishing of the product even through Spain's arrival and influence.. I have read about black and red pottery, hoping this would give my project an edge by narrowing the wide field. I have been searching the internet and only finding clips and short repeated stories. We will be in Mexico between May 19th to June 2nd taking two to three days in various parts of the country including Mexico City and Oaxaca. I am hoping to visit and experience pottery making first hand. I have found many articles from 1900, but would appreciate more from the 1400 on.
Also in visiting, we were told not to carry money and to use a bank card. What is the most preferred form of exchange?
How cold does it get in the nights? I would like to buy from some of the open markets and experience not a touristy level, but more personal to learn and meet the people.
Thank you for your time and input.
Sincerely,
Louise Mindler
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 15:11:03 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Cultural and History of Pottery dating from earliest days
I am not an expert in the academic history of pottery. I did a brief search of the internet and found a few possible sources under "history of mexican pottery", "ceramica mexico" and other combinations. Also, Amazon lists more than 500 books on mexican pottery -a few of them might be of interest to you. You can check with some of the museums and bookstores when you are here; if I can find more information I will let you know. You MAY find something in English at the Amate bookstore on the Tourist Walk but most of the printed information here will be in Spanish.
As for purchasing pottery, you should visit the villages where it is made - among them Atzompa, Coyotepec, both just a few kilometers form the city - where you can meet the potters and see their operations. It is possible to go farther afield but you might look at the many types on display at the Instituto Oaxaqueño de las Artesanias (ex Aripo) to see what interests you before making daylong or longer journeys.
Many of the places where you buy items will require payment in cash. It is very convenient to use ATM machines to withdraw, in pesos, what you need as you need it. Often the rate of exchange is a little better than changing dollars in cash but, as the rate is set via satellite several times per day, you won't know exactly what it will be until you are at the machine. Make sure you know if your local bank will charge your account for these withdrawals. Some don't but many do or else require you to use only certain banks here.
For climate information, see Oaxaca's Wonderful Weather at http://oaxacalive.com/weather.htm
Maria
--- allison De Board <ardeboard@hotmail.com> wrote:
Maria,
I'm going to be spending a few months studying in Oaxaca City this coming fall, and was wondering if there are any movie theaters in the area? I'm interested especially in main stream films, like the ones you would see at the United States Academy Awards. If there are none I'm open to any other type of film house too. Thanks for the help!
Ally
Date: Sun, 04 May 2008 11:18:24 -0700
Maria, sorry for another email, I realized I had some more questions.
I'm a vegetarian, and was wondering if it was going to be difficult to keep up in Oaxaca? Is it in anyway disrespectful to their culture?
Also, is there wireless internet in Oaxaca City? I'm astudent, and I don't really need it, I was just wondering if there's any point in taking my laptop.
Thanks again!
Ally
Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 11:49:47 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
There are no longer neighborhood movie theaters - only the large multicinema Cinemax and Cinepolis with something like 25 different salas between them. There are also specialty films - documentaries, shorts, international film festivals, regularly at the Pochote and a number of other places around the city.
There are several vegetarian only restaurants, as well as vegetarian specialties served at most restaurants. There are many meatless dishes but, if you are very strict, you may want to ask if meat products (chicken broth, etc.) are used in the preparation of a particular dish.
There are many public internet businesses all over the city, as well as wireless connections available at some of them, in some restaurants, schools, airport and other places. So unless you need access at non-business hours, you would not need to bring your computer.
Maria
--- Riccardo Bonechi <r.bonechi@earthlink.net> wrote:
hi Maria,
i am going to Mexico City on the 12th of may and want to take a bus to Jalapa-Veracruz to visit a friend. I went on ADO GL bus-site but could not find the schedule!
I am arriving at the international airport with Delta flight from New York City at 2 PM in the afternoon. I would need to know where the bus terminal is, how to get there from delta arrival terminal and the schedule round-trip for Jalapa-Veracruz. can you help, please? if not do you know of a better way to get to my destination?
thank you very much,
Riccardo
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:35:04 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
There is a bus terminal referred to as "Aerop. DF llegadas nacionales" which is located in front of the Camino Real Hotel. Go out of the airport terminal and cross over to this terminal. From there the bus line V@B departs for Jalapa four times per day at the very low cost of $260 pesos. This information is shown on the www.ticketbus.com.mx site. If for any reason you can not make any of those departures, ADO-GL leaves six times per day to CORDOBA from the "Aerop. DF llegadas internacionales" terminal just outside the international arrivals area. From there you can get any one of many departures for Jalapa but of course this will be much more expensive - nearly $500.
Otherwise, you can take a taxi to the TAPO terminal where there many departures, first class and others, at varying prices. For the return trip, just reverse your origin and destination points and enter the correct date on the ticketbus page. Be sure the date is complete and correct, as sometimes it comes up distorted; just type it in as required.
You may find the information at http://www.aicm.com.mx/home.php very helpful.
Maria
--- Riccardo Bonechi <r.bonechi@earthlink.net> wrote:
dear Maria,
how helpful you are! I wish the sites you gave were as helpful!!
at "ticketbus.com.mx" i cannot get informations!!! i enter departure " Aerop. DF llegadas nationales" to destin. Jalapa Ver. and date (date in strange to enter i think calendar is off!!) anyway i am not able to get a schedule!!
could you try for me? going the 12th of may coming back on the 20th? is it possible?
very thankful and will keep you in my address book.
Riccardo
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:10:26 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
As I mentioned before, you MUST make sure the date is correct. When I choose May 12 from the calendar, for instance, the date comes up 12/May/200- You MUST correct this to 12/May/2008 or the system will not work. Same for any other date - choose the date from the calendar then correct it manually if necessary.
Once you choose origin, destination and date, the information should come up in the middle of the page. From Aerop. DF llegadas nacionales to Jalapa Ver. on May 12, there are four departures: 00.30, 12:30, 17:00 and 19:30, with travel times of 4:55 for first and third, 5:45 for second and fourth departures. All have cost of $260.
Return on May 20 from Jalapa to Aerop. DF llegadas nacionales, departures are at 02:00, 05:00, 11:00 and 23:00, travel times 5:08 for first and fourth, 5:45 for second and third departures. All have cost of $260.
If you pay attention to the idiosyncrasies of the page, you should be able to get a great deal of information very easily. It seems that many pages like this have some little detail to be overcome but once you figure them out, they can be very helpful.
Maria
--- karani2000 <karani2000@prodigy.net.mx> wrote:
I would apréciate very much if you could give me an English translation for “camino revestido” – “revestido” is the problem word.
Thank you for your help.
Rae Kaplan
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:39:05 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Camino revestido refers to a road that has received some kind of surface. The quality of the surfacing may vary significantly and it may or not be graded, but it is NOT a paved road. In Mexico, it usually means a gravel road.
Maria
--- karani2000 <karani2000@prodigy.net.mx> wrote:
Thank you very much for your kind help.
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:45:37 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
No hay de que.
Maria
--- Jim Thomson <jthomson@huntenterprises.net> wrote:
My wife and I are planning a short trip to Oaxaca in July and would like to attend a Spanish language school to practice our conversation. We are well-grounded in Spanish language grammar (I am at advanced level and my wife is at intermediate level) but we need to practice speaking and listening.
Do you know anything about Oaxaca Spanish Magic or Oaxaca International language schools?
Jim Thomson
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:54:21 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Spanish language schools in Oaxaca, specifically 1) Oaxaca Spanish Magic and 2) Oaxaca International
Well, I thought I had at least heard of all the Spanish language schools in the city but you have unearthed one that is new to me! Oaxaca International has an impressive website and claim to have been operating for four years but I had never heard of them. I do not like that they list no names of director, teachers or responsible parties but this may be simply an oversight, with so much else so ambitiously presented. I will try to find out something about them.
Spanish Magic is a small school owned and operated by a young woman who has always seemed to me to have a real vocation for teaching. There are a number of other very good schools, which are listed on the Ask Maria page, near the bottom. I need to update information on two of the schools, as follows:
Instituto Cultural Oaxaca
Apartado Postal 340
Avenida Juarez 909
68000 Oaxaca, Oaxaca
Phone: (951) 515-3404, 515-1323 and 515-3728
Contact: Lucero Topete
e-mail: info@icomexico.com
http://www.icomexico.com
(change in website and email addresses)
and
Instituto Amigos del Sol Language School
Pino Suárez #802
68000 Oaxaca, Oaxaca
Contact: Rogelio Ballesteros
Phone: (951) 133-6052, Celular: 044 951 196 80 39
Web: http://www.oaxacanews.com/amigosdelsol.htm
e-mail: 1.-amisol@oaxacanews.com
2.- institutoamigosdelsol@yahoo.com
(change in street address, phone numbers and email
address)
I will publish the complete list again shortly, after I have investigated the "new" one(s). Of course, only you can decide which is best for you, so you should do your own investigation of the programs, policies, etc. before enrolling.
Maria
--- holaoaxaca@peoplepc.com wrote:
Hi Maria,
I am coming to Oaxaca soon. I collect old post cards of Oaxaca and Monte Alban. Can you recommend some stores that might sell them in beautiful Oaxaca?
Gracias,
Warren
Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2008 12:51:48 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Tarjetas de postales
Two places come to mind for old postcard photos - the store on 5 de mayo between Abasolo and Constitucion, on the east side of the street and, of course, Fotos Rivas on Avenida Juarez across from the Paseo Juarez, el LLano park. They have many wonderful old photos and some in postcard form.
There are probably other places, but none specifically that come to mind just now.
Maria
--- Juan Lomeli <jlomeli48@yahoo.com> wrote:
Maria, busco alguna persona que fabrique, estatuas de la Virgen de Juquila.. si me pudiera ayudar con nombres, y numeros de telefono, que sean personas de confiar, para que me agan una o una docena de estatuas, ya sea de caoba o de cualquier material, mi nombre es Juan Lomeli con domicilio en Sanger California, mi correo electronico jlomeli48@yahoo.com se lo agradesco y que pase un feliz fin de semana.
Juan Lomeli
Sanger, Ca.
Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2008 13:00:16 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Virgen de Juquila
Puede encontrar estatuas de la Virgen de Juquila en la Niña de las Posadas, Independencia No. 405, 68000 Oaxaca, Oax., Tel: (951) 516-2674, email: laninadelasposadas@hotmail.com
Maria
--- Monique Ford <homeontheroad@live.com> wrote:
Hi Maria,
I'm trying to find some information on campsites in Huatulco.. any information?
Jennifer
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:32:25 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Oaxaca beaches
Check the information at: http://tomzap.com/HUATULCOtrailerpark.html
http://www.ontheroadin.com/club_play_de_tangolunda.htm
or consider camping on some of the other bays which form Bahias of Huatulco see http://tomzap.com for more information
Maria
--- Dan Jerman <djerman@vermontel.net> wrote:
Hola Maria,
One of the very few negative things we have heard about Oaxaca is the air quality. We are planning on an extended visit next winter and we wonder what the "trade offs" might be be in terms of convenience if we try to get a place out of the downtown area.
We've heard that Arquitos and San Felipe are nice. My wife is taking (advanced) Spanish courses. Are there any schools located in that part of town? If not, would daily transportation into downtown be a problem. Thanks for any thoughts you could give us on this.
Dan
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:16:37 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject Re: air quality
First, I don't think you will find air quality a problem except perhaps right along heavily traveled bus/truck routes, which is not a great part of the city. The area around the arquitos and Xochimilco has limited vehicle access, while only a short walk to the central area where you will find most of the language schools. From San Felipe there is excellent bus service between 6:00 and 21:00. Check the list of Spanish language schools farther down on the Ask Maria page to see their addresses.
Maria
--- Kristin Johnson <kissable_krissy829@yahoo.com> wrote:
hi maria, my name is kristin and i'm doing a project for my high school spanish class. i need to know how to go from guatemala to oaxaca and then from oaxaca to tijuana. my teacher said he wanted me to include how much each trip will cost and the time of travel. i hope you can help me because i've been having a hard time finding the information i need. thank you very much and have a wonderful day!
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:10:56 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
If you want to go to Oaxaca first from Guatemala, there are no direct flights, all go first to Mexico City. So, you will need to take a Guatemalan bus to the border (Tapachula, Oax.), then change to a Mexican line for the journey to Oaxaca.
See http://www.transgalgosinter.com.gt/ and
http://www.ticketbus.com.mx for schedules and other information.
From Oaxaca to Tijuana, you can fly direct with a number of airlines (Aviacsa, Volaris,, Aviacsa, etc.) or you can take a bus to Mexico City to either the Terminal Norte or Terminal Sur - Taxqueña (http://www.ticketbus.com.mx) and from either of those terminals to Tijuana on one of the Estrella Blanca lines (http://www.estrellablanca.com.mx/ - Futura and Elite lines)
You will find schedules, fares and other information at the sites noted.
Maria
--- Brenda Barcelo <bbarcelo@ucsc.edu> wrote:
Dear Maria,
I'm doing research about natural and traditional healing in Oaxaca, Mexico, and would like to interview a few curanderos, visit regular hospitals as well as mixed traditional/occidental medical centers. Even though I'm Latina myself and speak Spanish natively, I'm afraid I won't be able to reach the real curanderos without some kind of contact person to introduce me. What do you recommend? Also, where in the Oaxaca area do you suggest I start my reseach? Thanks so much!
Brenda Barceló
Date: Tue, 1 Apr 2008 14:54:51 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: INFORMATION ABOUT HEALERS
Following is some information on centers where you can connect with serious traditional medicine practicioners.
The Traditional Medicine Center in Calpulalpam operates in conjunction with the Secretaria de Salud, combining alopathic and traditional medicine.
Oaxaca: Clínica de Medicina Tradicional en Calpulalpan de Méndez (En coordinación con la Secretaria de Salud).
Centro de Desarrollo de la Medicina Tradicional Indígena
Av. 16 de Septiembre s/n
Calpulalpam de Méndez, Ixtlán, Oaxaca
Tel. (951) 5 39 20 60
(Esta comunidad está ubicada en la Sierra Norte del estado de Oaxaca, a una altitud de 2,100 msnm, y a una distancia de 69 kilómetros de la ciudad de Oaxaca. Pertenece al Distrito de Ixtlán de Juárez y actualmente cuenta con 2,450 habitantes.
Para llegar a Calpulalpam desde Oaxaca se recomienda salir por la ruta del Tule y en el Momumento a Benito Juárez abordar taxi colectivo o autobús con destino a Calpulalpam; o bien, dirigirse en autobus a Ixtlán y de ahí transbordar hacia Calpulalpam. El servicio de taxis colectivos es de las 06:00 a las 18:00 hrs.)
ANOTHER CENTER:
Centro de Desarrollo de la Medicina Tradicional
Tlaxiaco, Oax. ( A un costado del Mesón de la CDI ).
Informes en la Cd. de Oaxaca
Tel. (951) 5 15 72 99
Check this website for some information: http://www.conadepi.gob.mx/index30.php?id_seccion=720
I have also attached three articles which may be of interest.
Maria
--- Katherine Mendez <kmendez99@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Maria,
I am trying to get information about secondary or preparatory schools for my high school age son in Hualulco. Could you please send me the names and links, if they have any?
Thank you,
KatyMendez
3nopales@gmail.com
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2008 11:24:10 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: secondary schools in Santa Cruz Huatulco
Here is the available data on some preparatory and secondary schools in Huatulco. Only one has a web page.
Preparatoria Bahias de Huatulco
Escuela Particular
Imparte: Medio superior
Sierra de Zempoaltepec Nø 103 Sector H2
Santa Cruz
Santa Maria Huatulco
Oaxaca
70989
Teléfono: +52 (958) 587-1980
Instituto México de Huatulco
(Bachillerato Champagnat)
Escuela Particular
Imparte: Medio superior
Boulevard Chahue Nø 66
Santa Cruz
Santa Maria Huatulco
Oaxaca
70989
Teléfono: +52 (958) 587-1727, 587-1766
http://www.imh.edu.mx/Colegio Chahue
Escuela Particular
Imparte: Secundaria
Sierra de Zempoaltepetl 115
Santa Cruz
Santa Maria Huatulco
Oaxaca
70989
Teléfono: +52 (958) 587-0485Colegio de la Santa Cruz
Escuela Particular
Imparte: Secundaria
Sierra Zempoaltepetl N§ 103 Sector H 2
Santa Cruz
Santa Maria Huatulco
Oaxaca
70989
Teléfono: +52 (958) 587-0411
Tel. (958) 587-1982, 958 587-1983COLEGIO DE BACHILLERES HUATULCO
CLL 6 S/N Col.SECTOR U2
C.P.70989 , BAHIAS DE HUATULCO , OAX
Tel. (958) 583-4218
Maria
--- "Richard V. Jessop" <richardvj@btinternet.com> wrote:
Hi Maria,
My girlfriend and I were considering Oaxaca City, amongst a number of other alternative locations in S. America, to rent an apartment and live for at least several weeks.
Although the architecture and creative arts attract us, we are nervous about how ‘touristy’ it might be.
Could you give me any idea of whether or not, or to what extent, the city is flooded with tourists? (We might be staying in the May – June period).
Thanks in advance for your kind help.
Best wishes,
Richard Jessop
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2008 11:36:39 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: How 'touristy' is Oaxaca City?
Oaxaca, although definitely NOT a "resort location", is a very popular destination for national and international tourists, most especially during the holiday periods in July (Guelaguetza), Muertos (October-November), Christmas-New Year and Holy Week.
Outside these times, there are many fewer tourists at any one time and May-June are perhaps the months with the least number.
Even when full of tourists, Oaxaca is still our wonderful Oaxaca and you should not miss visiting it - at any time of the year.
Maria
--- Murray Kimber <mkimber@shaw.ca> wrote:
Hi Maria,
I was looking at bilingual elementary schools and wondered if the prices on the websites would be in Mexican Pesos or US dollars? Do you have any idea.
Also, my family would like to purchase a car for the year we are in Oaxaca. Is it easy for foreigners to buy cars? Is it possible to find something fairly inexpensive? Is it generally easy to sell when we leave?
Thanks,
Kari Kroker
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:08:20 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: schools prices
Any legitimate business in Mexico will, of course, quote prices in Mexican pesos. If it is a foreign tourist-oriented enterprise, they may quote both pesos and US dollars or euros. Any Mexican business not primarily foreign trade oriented that quotes you any price or service cost in foreign currency only should be looked askance and you should request the quote in the currency of the country, which is the peso.
As for purchasing a car, so long as all your documents are in order and appropriate, you should have no problem. I do not know what you would consider inexpensive, whether you are talking a new or a used car, what quality range, etc. Many factors would enter into the resale of the car - market in general, market for that particular car, price, condition, etc. You might discuss the possibility of selling it back to the agency you purchase it from or advertise it for sale through word of mouth, bulletin boards, etc.
Maria
--- claudetted@optonline.net wrote:
Dear Maria:
My husband and I are planning a trip to Putla, Oaxaca. My husband is a Mexican citizen and this will be his first trip home in 16 years and he is very excited. We are looking for a fairly modern hotel in Putla for May 9-12th. Can you give us any suggestions?
Claudette D'Arrigo and Fausto Lopez
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:58:29 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: hotel in Oaxaca
It has been several years since I have had the good fortune to stay overnight in Putla, so I am not sure what, if any new "modern" hotels there may be now. Where I stayed would not have been called modern but it was comfortable.
These are the data I have and are probably the same places that Fausto remembers:
BELINDA FENOCHIO GONZALEZ
CALLE GUERRERO S/N
C.P. 71000 - PUTLA VILLA DE GUERRERO - OAXACA
(953)5530294GRACIELA NIETO MARTINEZ - HOTEL
CALLE SONORA 34
C.P. 71000 - PUTLA VILLA DE GUERRERO - OAXACA
(953)530328JOEL ROBLES IBARRA
PUEBLA 55
C.P.71000 - PUTLA VILLA DE GUERRERO , OAX
Tel. (953) 5530016
Maria
--- claudetted@optonline.net wrote:
Hi Maria:
Thank you for your response..my husband is so excited, he finally has his permanent residence card in the US so we can travel abroad and we are surprising his family for Mother's Day!
Can you also advise if there is a service that we could use to take us from Oaxaca airport to the hotel in Putla and whether it is safe for us to rent a car and drive it ourselves? We are pretty "americanized" although my husband speaks fluent spanish and I speak some spanish. We will look into the hotels you suggested and let you know!
Claudette
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:48:52 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
There is no service from the airport to anywhere except into the city proper. The "first class" bus takes 5-1/2 hours departing at 9 PM and the second class has more departures but takes a little longer. I recommend you rent a car and drive there, enjoying the wonderful scenery. No problem with driving IN DAYLIGHT, watching for people and animals on the road.
If you arrive by noon you could go directly from the airport, bypassing the city center for now, and be in Putla before dark - 258 km, aprox a 4-5 hour drive. This is VERY IMPORTANT, as the aprox 60 km from Tlaxiaco to el Entronque Tierra Blanca is over very curvy road, even scary in the dark or fog. The rest of the route is fine, especially if you take the supercarretera to Nochixtlan. See Traza tu Ruta at http://www.sct.gob.mx/ for a breakdown of mileage and driving times.
Also on the SCT page, scroll down and look for atlas carreteros, click on that then go to Atlas por Entidad where you choose Oaxaca. IF you are able to read it, it is a good road map but it is in a non-editable PDF format which you can not print or copy and may not be able to read. Worth a try. I was able to enlarge it a bit by repeatedly using the "make text bigger" function of the computer.
If you arrive in the afternoon, or have had a long, difficult travel day, then I recommend you spend that night in the city and get plenty of rest, then drive to Putla very early the next morning. Or you could drive part of the way and continue in the morning but this is not so easy, as hotels are few and far between and I am sure that Fausto will be too excited to stop, the closer he gets to Putla.
Muy buena suerte y bienvenidos a casa.
Maria
--- Marcin Kusiak <marcin.kusiak@ingbank.pl> wrote:
Hi Maria,
in one of your answers from 12 Nov 2007 you wrote that: "Aviacsa flies daily from Oaxaca to Acapulco (9:10 AM, arriving 10:00 AM)". But unfortunetly when i`m trying to book this flight on Aviacsa.com the system doesn`t show any non stop flights from Oaxaca to Acapulco.
Could you help me with this reservation???
Thanks!
Martin
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2008 07:00:33 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Aviacsa flight from Oaxaca to Acapulco
Unfortunately, Aviacsa has stopped flying non-stop to Acapulco - for now, at least. If demand increases, they may start again.
Meanwhile, the best available is still Aviacsa who goes to Mexico City for connection, leaving Oaxaca at 8:15 and arriving Acapulco 11:25 AM.
Maria
--- Allen Searls <asearls@gmail.com> wrote:
Subject: Question about San Andres Yaa
Hi Maria,
Thanks for your wonderful website at Oaxaca Live.
My wife and I will be in Oaxaca in late April and will be trying to reach the town of San Andres Yaa deep in the Sierra Norte. All the maps that I have appear to be outdated, so I'm not sure what the best route to take is for the trip. I hear there is a paved road from 175 through Ixtlan de Juarez and all the way to Zoogocho now, and then an easily-washed-out dirt or gravel road from there over the river to San Andres Yaa by way of Villa Alta. On the other hand, this site
http://www.mexicantextiles.com/grouppages/groups/zapotecsierra/betaza/index.htm says that the route by way of highway 190 is newer, nicer and more picturesque if you take 190 to Tlacolula, then toward Tontontepec, finally taking a high mountain road (paved?) Northwest to San Melchor Betaza (a few miles south of San Andres Yaa on a presumably dirt road). Would you recommend trying to reach San Andres Yaa by way of the highway from Tlacolula or via the highway to Zoogocho? Do you recommend any driver / guides for that area? Anyway, any advice you have would be greatly appreciated on making that drive ourselves-- the best route, approximate driving times, whether a 4-wheel drive is needed, any places for an overnight stay in the deep Sierra Norte, things to watch out for, etc.
Thanks so much for any help you can provide.
Best regards,
Allen
Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:07:25 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
It has been a few years since I have had the pleasure of driving all of the area in question - in a normal pickup truck, no double traction or special equipment - so can not comment on up to date firsthand experience.
There has been quite a lot of road work in the area but perhaps not all of it is top grade highway. I am attaching a copy of a map I have from September 2003 where you can see that, even though the road is paved from Ixtlan to Zoogocho it is still a long, convoluted way to San Andres Yaa. You could also take the road from just at the Tlacolula limits past Santa Ana del Valle, Cuajimoloyas and the Cajonos, through Yalalag and Betaza - again pretty roundabout.
As you say, it may be much easier to take 190 to the turnoff, bypassing Mitla to Ayutla, Tamazulapam and on toward Totontepec. I remember the road from that turnoff to Villa Alta and Betaza as being very good terracería. It is certainly more straight-forward than the others.
Personally, I would take one route and return by another. Either way, the scenery is wonderful and in late April you shouldn't have washout problems. Any of the three routes is between aprox 150 and 170 km, each with the first 60-100 km on "real" highway, with varying conditions after that which account for most of the driving time. Remember, it is all mountains.
Driving time can be extremely variable if there should be rain (not expected so early but one never knows, especially in the Mixe region) or other problems.
As always, don't drive in the dark or unfavorable conditions such as rain, fog, etc. and watch for people or animals on the road, washouts, rivers to be forded, etc. Barring any problems and considering you are not familiar with the roads, I would ESTIMATE an average of at least four to five hours by any of the routes and hope that it may be less but be prepared for the worst. (-:
As for places to stay in the "deep" Sierra Norte, I don't have any specific recommendations. Most of the Tourist Yu´u and community tourist development is along the Ixtlan roads (Calpulalpam, Ixtlan, Jaltianguis) or around Cuajimoloyas and Cajonos - within 60-90 minutes of Oaxaca. Other accommodations you might find would definitely NOT be tourist oriented.
I believe there is an updated version of my map and am checking on that. If there is any significant change in roads, etc., I will send you a copy.
Maria
--- Allen Searls <asearls@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Maria,
Thank you so much for all of this great information. It's a tremendous help. This is the most detailed map I've seen of that region. Of course, if you find a more up to date that would be enormously helpful as well. We will do our best to follow all of your recommendations on the drive.
By the way, if you know anyone that lives in the area of Zoogocho or San Andres Yaa (especially anyone that speaks English) it would be wonderful to have a contact in that remote area. I realize that's a long shot...
In any case, thank you for being such a tremendous help!
Sincerely,
Allen
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:37:26 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Offhand, I can't think of anyone who is living in the region who might speak English. Nearly everyone there will speak Spanish, however.
An idea - there are a number of You Tube videos of the bands in the region. One link is:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwBPBwH5JH8&feature=related
You might try communicating with the posters listed for these videos, some of whom live in the US or in other parts of Mexico but obviously have close ties.
Haven't had time yet to check on the map but will let you know in a few days.
Maria
--- Allen Searls <asearls@gmail.com> wrote:
Thanks Maria!
That was a good idea, I was able to find someone who speaks English in San Andres Yaa at YouTube.
Thanks again for all your help with maps and everything.
Best,
Allen
Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:29:48 -0700 (PDT)
From: maria diaz <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
I am glad it worked and that you found someone. I have discovered that the map was reissued in 2005 but don't know if it was updated significantly or ONLY reissued. Also, am checking to learn what improvements, if any, may exist in the roads. Will let you know this week.
Maria
Date: Tue, 1 Apr 2008 13:05:18 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
I checked the 2005 issue of the map and found that the road via los Cajonos is now paved all the way to Betaza - only about 12 km from San Andres Yaa. So that may be the best route for you. I am attaching a copy of the principal part of the map, in pdf format.
Have a great trip.
Maria
--- Sharon <sharon@woodscreeknursery.com> wrote:
Hi Maria,
I just stumbled on your wonderful website. How generous you are with your knowledge, time and energy!
I have been to Oaxaca many times over the last 30 years, the last time being in 2003. Much to my disappointment, I have lost the phone number to Mondedas (antiquidades) de Oaxaca. I wanted to speak with the owner, Mr. Vidal. Do you happen to know if he is still there and what his telephone number might be??
I will be going down this year for Day of the Dead. Do you have any recommendations as to where I can find old huipiles or religious statues, or old masks? I am willing to travel outside of the city, but probably within a 4 hour car ride.
Thanks again for your generosity,
Sharon Ronsse
Monroe, WA
Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:03:27 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Oaxaca question
The store you refer to - Monedas (Antiguedades) - is located at Abasolo No. 107, alongside the Camino Real Hotel. The telephone number is (951) 516-3935. I have not had an opportunity to visit, to see who is in charge now, but everyone there is always very helpful.
As for finding "old" things, this is the only store. Offhand, I can not think of anywhere else, in town or outside, but if anything occurs to me I will let you know.
Maria
Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:03:49 -0700
You are the best!!!! Thank you!
Sharon Ronsse
--- Anthony Zavala <anthony63@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
hi maria,zocalos is mentioned quite a bit.what is that place.and what is there to do there?thank you.tony
Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:06:38 -0700 (PDT)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: zócalo
The word zócalo comes from the Spanish meaning the plinth or base of a building or monument and was applied to the Aztec architecture they found in Tenochtitlan. As this kind of construction most often was built around an important open area, it became the name most often applied to the principal plaza or square of many Mexican towns and cities.
The zócalo in Mexico City is probably the largest main square in the world and the one in Oaxaca is considered by many as the most beautiful. It is certainly the heart, as well as the soul, of the city, with a number of sidewalk restaurants around it under the colonial stone arcades, gardens, band kiosk with frequent cultural presentations and happenings. It is THE PLACE to sit a while and enjoy the beauty and rhythm of the land and to watch the people from all over the state and the world. It is also the symbolic center of the universe for social statements and activism.
You can search Google images for "oaxaca zocalo" and see thousands of its different faces and personalities.
Maria
--- Briones-Panzar <w.panzar@comcast.net> wrote:
Hi Maria,
I'm on the Ticket Bus website dropping down 'Origen' and 'Destino' but not finding Acapulco, nor Ejido, nor Papagayo (which some website was describing as terminals for a certain bus line). Help. I'm planning on bussing from Acapulco to Pinotepa Nacional, later from Pinotepa to Puerto Angel with maybe a stop in Puerto Escondido. Thanks for your attention and greetings from Oakland
Walter
Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 11:55:47 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Bus from Acapulco to Costa Chica
The Ticketbus site lists only ADO and their associates with service to the east and southeast, with very limited service to the coast of Oaxaca. For the Pacific coast in general and the points you list, you should check information with the Estrella Blanca group at
http://www.estrellablanca.com.mx/
Maria
---Tori Desper <chandlerarizona@cox.net> wrote:
We are considering moving to Oaxaca This fall and we have three children. Can you tell us anything about schools. The children are 12, 14, and 16. Anything you can tell us would be greatly appreciated. None of these children speak Spanish..
Thank you, Phil Sargent
Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 17:33:56 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Private High Schools in Oaxaca
There are a number of good private secondary and preparatory schools in Oaxaca, among them:
Instituto Federico Froebel - http://federicofroebel.org/ (prepa and secondary)
Preparatoria univas - http://prepaunivas.edu.mx (prepa)
Instituto Luis Sarmiento - http://www.inlusa.edu.mx (prepa and secondary)
Instituto Blaise Pascale - http://www.ibp.edu.mx/ (prepa and secondary)
Instituto Carlos gracida - http://www.icagra.net (prepa and secondary)
As the children have no Spanish at all, the best choice may well be Federico Froebel, which is biingual.
Maria
--- Jimm Budd <jimm@jimmbudd.com> wrote:
Is there any scheduled air service between Oaxaca City and Huatulco? Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido?
Jimm Budd
jimm@jimmbudd.com
Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 16:51:02 -0800 (PST)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
Subject: Huatulco, Escondido flights
Both Aerovega and Aerotucan have daily flights to and from both Huatulco and Puerto Escondido.
http://www.oaxaca-mio.com/aerovega.htm.
http://www.aerotucan.com.mx
Maria
--- Don and Lanore Johnson <donlan40@hotmail.com>
wrote:
Dear Maria,
What a nice service! We will be taking our 2 teenage grandchildren to Oaxaca in March. We want to visit Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Sierra Norte, and the beaches. We have 11 days. Because of such a limited time we would like to use night buses to and from Mexico City and from Oaxaca City to and from the beaches. Is this safe? We would travel first class to make it a safer trip.
Thank you for your help.
Sincerely,
Lanore Johnson
Montana, USA
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:17:56 -0800 (PST)
From: "maria diaz" <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com>
What a nice opportunity for your family! Yes, the night buses are safe. you can see schedules and other information at http://www.ticketbus.com.mx The origin and destination terminals between Mexico and Oaxaca are Mexico TAPO and Oaxaca, Oax. For the coast, it would be Oaxaca, Oax. and either Huatulco, Puerto Escondido and Pochutla (for Puerto Angel and Mazunte), depending on where you want to go. You could take local transport around the area, thus maybe arriving one terminal and leaving from another, to see more.
You might also make good use of your time by arranging for a car with knowledgeable driver (bilingual guides also available) for the archeological sites and villages, so you can go where and when you want, for as long as you want each place - rather than fixed itineraries with the "set" tours.
For Monte Alban, Autobuses Turisticos leaves from Mina No. 518 (near the Benito Juarez Market downtown) every hour from 08:00 to 14:00 or 14:00. This is a three hour trip - thirty minutes travel each way and two hours at the site, for a very reasonable round trip cost of 38 pesos per person. Even better - if two hours is not enough time at the site for you, you can take a later bus back for only an additional 19 pesos. If you know ahead of time, you can arrange it at the office. If you only decide you need more time once you are there, Autobuses Turisticos has a representative in the parking area at Monte Alban who can make the arrangements.
Have a wonderful time!
Maria
From: "Don and Lanore Johnson" <donlan40@hotmail.com>
Maria,
Thank you for the thoughtful, complete answer. You've been a great help.
Lanore Johnson
--- melody marks <hshmelody@att.net> wrote:
Dear Maria
I will be arriving in Guatemala City and then would like to take a bus to Oaxaca and back to Guatemala City. Do you know of a bus line(s) that make this trip, how long it would take and how much it would cost?
many thanks
melody
Date: Thu, 7 Feb 2008 18:49:12 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: buses from guatemala city to oaxaca
You will need to take a Guatemalan bus to the border (Tapachula, Oax.), then change to a Mexican line for the journey to Oaxaca.
See http://www.transgalgosinter.com.gt/ and http://www.ticketbus.com.mx for schedules and other information.
Maria
--- melody marks wrote:
Hi Maria...I wasn't able to get much information from these sites..any other ideas? many thanks...melody
maria diaz <askmariaoaxacalive@yahoo.com> wrote:
These are the sites to find bus schedules, f
